Located in a north-west London courtyard tucked between a Victorian terrace and main railway lines, this landlocked site presented a great design challenge. Our task was to convert and remodel a run-down industrial compound from the 1950’s into contemporary residential accommodation. The buildings, once a mechanic’s garage and office, today comprise a generous open-plan three-bedroom house and two one-bedroom apartments.
Sector
Homes
Location
Primrose Hill, London
Date
2012-2014
Client
Private
Area
265m2
Status
Completed
Composite design concept drawing
Garage Conversion
The buildings, once a mechanic’s garage and office, today comprise a generous open-plan three-bedroom house and two one-bedroom apartments.
Rich Textures Imbued with Memory
Brick is also the predominant material within the interior. As walls were moved, ground floor slabs lowered and ceilings pushed up to maximize the height on the ground floor, changes in the bond of the white washed brick walls mark the previous position of these elements. The result is a richly textured internal perimeter, imbued with the memory of place. This is contrasted with polished and rough concrete finishes, a coffered ceiling and Oak paneling.
The ground floor of the main residence accommodates the living, dining and kitchen areas. The open floor plan is structured by three elements: large openings bringing in the natural light, a sunken seating area set into the polished concrete floor and a wide staircase leading to the bedrooms on the upper floors.
Rich material palette and textures imbued with memory
View of the dinning area
“I believe Patalab’s biggest achievement has been to demonstrate a clear design focus, whilst offering a fully functioning and comfortable home. Furthermore, I’m particularly pleased with the amount of natural light we’ve been able to draw into the spaces, given the introverted nature and limitations of the site.”
Client Testimonial
Embracing bespoke sunken seating area, finished with complementary bespoke brass chandelier
Dining and kitchen area with exposed brick materiality flooded with natural light from generous skylights
View of the wooden stairs
Jewel-like Appearance
Externally the buildings were re-faced, uniting what was previously a patchwork arrangement into a balanced composition. Responding to the courtyard setting a reflective metallic bronze glazed brick was used that glistens in the direct sunlight and give the development a jewel-like appearance.
Detail of the ceiling finishes
Inviting seating area with tactile timber surround within concrete floor
The Gables entrance
Primrose Hill
The Gables is one of the many schemes for private and commercial clients Patalab has realised in the London Borough of Camden over the past years. It is also one of numerous projects we completed in Primrose Hill, which include Eclectic House and Primrose Mews House.
Awards
Don't Move Improve!
WINNER for "Best Use of Material"
WINNER for "Best Use of Material"
2016
Sunday Times British Homes Awards
COMMENDATION
COMMENDATION
2016
New London Awards
SHORTLISTED
SHORTLISTED
2015
Archilovers
Best Project
Best Project
2015
